Highlights from TIMSS 2007: U.S. Mathematics and Science Achievement

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2007 is the fourth administration since 1995 of this cross-national comparative study. TIMSS assesses the mathematics and science knowledge and skills of fourth- and eighth-graders. TIMSS is designed to align broadly with mathematics and science curricula in the participating countries. The results, therefore, suggest the degree to which students have learned mathematics and science concepts and skills likely taught in school. TIMSS also collects background information on students, teachers, and schools to allow cross-national comparison of educational contexts that may be related to student achievement. In 2007, mathematics and science assessments and associated questionnaires were administered in 36 countries at the fourth-grade level and 48 countries at the eighth-grade level. In addition to documenting student achievement in 2007, TIMSS also provides comparisons of achievement over the last 12 years, from 1995 to 2007. The results presented here will focus on the performance of U.S. fourth-and eighth- grade students in mathematics and science relative to that of their peers in other countries in 2007 and since 1995.  The presentation will also provide an overview of achievement in two states--Massachusetts and Minnesota--that participated in TIMSS 2007 separately from the nation.